2005 Articles

The Price of Science without Moral Constraints: German and American Medicine before DNA and Today

Pollack, Robert

The document titled "The Price of Science without Moral Constraints: German and American Medicine before DNA and Today" by Robert E. Pollack explores the ethical failures of scientific and medical practices in Germany during the early 20th century and draws parallels to contemporary issues in genetic research. Pollack examines how German scientists and physicians, influenced by the eugenics movement, participated in atrocities that began with sterilization, escalated to selective euthanasia, and culminated in the mass murder of individuals deemed "lives not worth living" by the Nazi regime. He warns of the potential for similar moral lapses in modern science, particularly as advancements in genetics and DNA technology provide new tools for manipulating human life. Pollack emphasizes the need for a strong ethical framework to guide scientific progress, arguing that without moral constraints, the pursuit of knowledge can lead to devastating consequences. He calls for a commitment to human dignity and the protection of individual rights as science continues to evolve, urging a balance between scientific innovation and ethical responsibility.